Pet training device

ABSTRACT

A device for pet training comprising a rigid tube formed with at least one elbow, and having a cavity in at least the distal end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle, attached at the proximal end of the rigid tube, a flexible plunger rod disposed within the rigid tube, comprising a proximal end extending through the handle, and a distal end extending proximate to the cavity in the distal end of the rigid tube; a thumb ring joined to the proximal end of the flexible plunger rod; and a plunger disposed within the cavity and joined to the distal end of the flexible plunger rod, wherein a user of the device may hold the rigid tube by the handle, move the thumb ring, and cause an edible reward to be dispensed from the cavity on the distal end of the rigid tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/369,767 filed Apr. 3, 2002.

This invention relates generally to an apparatus to assist with thetraining of domestic animals, and more particularly to training ofcanines.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a pet training device comprising a down-tubehaving a cavity on its lower end thereof for insertion of ediblerewards; a handle, and means for causing an edible reward to bedispensed from the cavity on the lower end of the down-tube. The devicemay be used to selectively dispense edible rewards to a pet ascompensation for exhibiting a desired behavior or performing a desiredaction.

Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed trainingassist devices for domestic animals, the relevant portions of which maybe briefly summarized as follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,142 to Hill, issued Sep. 24, 1974, U.S. Pat. No.5,566,645 to Cole, issued Oct. 22, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,939 toRobart et al., issued Sep. 22, 1998 each disclose a training devicecomprising a bit with a liquid delivery system therein for equinetraining. While these equine training devices are satisfactory for theirintended use, they have no structure in common with the presentinvention, and no utility in canine training.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,000 to Miller, issued Oct. 5, 1976, teaches the useof a pellet-dispensing sleeve comprising an elongated resilient plastictube slit along its length for the delivery of medicinal pellets. Thedisclosure is limited to the description of a sleeve only, and noassociated mechanism. The present invention does not comprise such aresilient sleeve.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,466 to Pintor, et al., issued Sep. 15, 1998,discloses a pet training device comprising a thigh strap, a couplingmechanism, and at least one training strap having a coupling between thethigh strap and the collar of a canine. The device of Pintor is usefulin limiting the mobility of a canine relative to its trainer, and has noprovisions for providing edible rewards to the canine.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pettraining device comprising a down-tube having a cavity on at least thelower end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle,attached at the top of said down-tube; and dispensing means for causingan edible reward to be dispensed from said cavity in said lower end ofsaid down-tube.

In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided apet training device comprising a down-tube having a cavity on at leastthe lower end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle,attached at the top of said down-tube; a plunger rod disposed withinsaid down tube, comprising an upper end extending through said handle,and a lower end extending proximate to said cavity in said lower end ofsaid down tube; a thumb ring joined to said upper end of said plungerrod; and a plunger disposed within said cavity and joined to said lowerend of said plunger rod.

One aspect of the invention is based on the observation of problems withconventional canine training, in which rewards are dispensed by hand tothe canine to compensate desired behavior. Due to the generally smallstature of canines compared to humans, it is often necessary for thetrainer to squat or bend over to dispense the reward directly to thecanine at its level. For many trainers, this is an uncomfortable andergonomically undesirable action. Furthermore, the dispensing of areward at the level of the canine's mouth is believed to discouragejumping.

Alternatively, the canine may become aware that the rewards are keptupon the trainer's person, typically at least at waist level or higher.The canine will begin to beg for additional rewards, or at least becomedistracted by their presence upon the trainer.

This aspect is based on the discovery of a technique that alleviatesthese problems by providing individually dispensable edible rewards to acanine at its level, particularly through the use of an apparatusdesigned to dispense rewards at a position adjacent the canine's mouth.The present invention described above is advantageous because it makesit unnecessary to bend over or squat to provide a reward to a canineduring training, and because the manner in which edible rewards arehandled is not a distraction to the canine during training.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a pet trainingdevice, which can dispense edible rewards at substantially the standingor sitting height of a canine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a pet trainingdevice, which enables a trainer to dispense edible rewards to a caninein an ergonomically sound manner.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a pet trainingdevice, which can dispense edible rewards made from a variety offoodstuffs.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a pet trainingdevice, which can dispense edible rewards to a canine in a controlledand repeatable manner.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a pet trainingdevice, which can be easily disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the applicant's pettraining device, in an assembled state;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the applicant's pettraining device, in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment of theapplicant's pet training device;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the applicant's pettraining device shown in use in dispensing a reward;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of theapplicant's pet training device, for providing edible rewards to alarger variety of canine pet;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of theapplicant's pet training device, for providing edible rewards directlyfrom a reservoir attached thereto;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the applicant'spet training device incorporated into a grooming table.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the applicant'spet training device incorporated into a grooming table.

FIG. 7C is a detailed perspective view of adjustable support means usedto support and secure the embodiments of FIGS. 7A and 7B to a groomingtable.

The present invention will be described in connection with a preferredembodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent tolimit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, theintent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been usedthroughout to designate identical elements.

Referring to FIG. 1, applicant's pet training device 110 comprisesdown-tube 112, which is joined at the upper end thereof to handle 114.Down-tube 112 comprises a cavity 116 at its lower end, into which may beinserted edible rewards 102, for subsequent dispensation to a canine orother animal as compensation for desired behavior.

Applicant's pet training device further comprises dispensing means forthe controlled, individual discharge of edible rewards from the cavity116 of down-tube 112. Referring also to FIG. 2, in one preferredembodiment, dispensing means 212 comprises plunger 214, which isoperatively joined to the lower end of plunger rod 216. Plunger rod 216is further joined at its upper end to thumb ring 218. In one preferredembodiment, down-tube 112 is a cylindrical tube, and plunger 214comprises a cylindrical plug, with a diameter approximately 50 to 99percent of the inside diameter of down-tube 112, and preferablyapproximately 90 to 95 percent of the inside diameter of down-tube 112.The length of the cylindrical plug of plunger 214 is preferably between0.2 and 2 times the inside diameter of down-tube 112.

Referring again to FIG. 2, dispensing means 212 comprises plunger rod216 (shown in phantom) disposed substantially axially along the lengthof down tube 112. The upper end of plunger rod 216 extends upwardlythrough a hole in joint 118, which secures handle 114 to down-tube 112.

In preparation for a training session, thumb ring 218 may be grasped andpulled upwardly, away from joint 118 in the direction of arrow 120 ofFIG. 1. This action results in a corresponding displacement of plunger214, which is attached to the opposite end of plunger rod 216, in thedirection of arrow 124. This motion of plunger 214 increases the volumeof the cavity 116 located at the lower end of down-tube 112. Ediblerewards 102 are then loaded into cavity 116.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the pet training device 110 is preferablygrasped by the trainer 414 with at least three fingers upon the handle114 and/or joint 118, and with the thumb engaged with thumb ring 218. Inthe course of a training session, when the canine-in-training 412exhibits a desired behavior, the trainer 414 pushes his thumb downwardlyan incremental distance, forcing thumb ring 218 downwardly in thedirection of arrow 122 of FIG. 1. Plunger 214, which is operativelyjoined to thumb ring 218 by plunger rod 216, is displaced acorresponding incremental distance within down-tube 112 in the directionof arrow 126. The incremental distance is preferably on the order of thelength of one edible reward contained within cavity 116 of down-tube112. Accordingly, one of edible rewards 102 is dispensed from down tube112 for the enjoyment of the canine as compensation for his desiredbehavior.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, down-tube 112 further comprises an elbow 128, which disposescavity 116 in a direction substantially parallel with the surface of theground as represented by line 130. This feature has the benefit ofdispensing an edible reward substantially horizontally, directly intothe mouth of the canine. In addition, if the chosen edible rewards 102are substantially spherical or cylindrical pellets of a diameter atleast slightly less than the inside diameter of cavity 116 of down-tube112, the edible rewards 102 will remain within cavity 116 until they aredispensed by the actuation of dispensing means 212 of FIGS. 1 and 2, aspreviously described.

The pet training device preferably comprises commonly availableinexpensive, lightweight materials, such as plastic, or thin-wall metaltubing. In one preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pet trainingdevice 112 is fabricated of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) socket weld plasticpipe and fittings sold in commercial and retail plumbing and electricalsupply stores. Down-tube 112 and handle 114 are made of one-half inchSchedule 40 PVC pipe, and joint 118 is a one-half inch Schedule 40 PVCtee. It is to be understood that the dimensions and schedules of plasticpipe and fittings as described herein are as defined by the PlasticsPipe Institute, and are further described in Machinery's Handbook,22^(nd) ed., pp. 2339–2342, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

It will be apparent that alternative materials would be suitable, suchas EMT thin wall steel electrical conduit and fittings, or thin wallaluminum tubing and fittings, and the like. However, the fabrication ofthe applicant's pet training device with PVC pipe and socket weldfittings is preferable, because the device may be easily assembled foruse, and disassembled for cleaning or transporting. In general, the pipeand fittings comprising the applicant's pet training device are notpermanently welded together, but instead are force-fitted together. Itis widely understood that socket weld pipe and fittings aredimensionally matched to be snugly force-fitted together prior towelding, for common plumbing applications. Such force fitting issufficient for their use in the present invention, without permanentwelding or gluing.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, dispensing means 212 arealso fabricated of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Thumb ring 218 is made ofan approximately one-inch length of one inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe.Plunger rod 216 is made of 0.1875-inch diameter grey PVC rod commonlyused in the welding of PVC parts. Plunger 214 is made of 0.5-inchdiameter grey PVC rod. Thumb ring 218 and plunger 214 each have holes ofapproximately 0.1875 inch diameter drilled therein. In fabrication ofdispensing means 212, the opposite ends of plunger rod 216 are coatedwith PVC pipe cement and inserted into the respective holes in thumbring 218 and plunger 214. Upon complete drying of the cement, thumb ring218 and plunger 214 are suitably operatively joined to plunger rod 216.

It will be apparent that alternative materials would be suitable fordispensing means 212 of FIGS. 1 and 2, provided that the plunger rod 216is sufficiently flexible to enable it to be easily displaced indown-tube 112, particularly in the curved section therein, by themovement of thumb ring 218, while also being rigid enough to force acorresponding displacement in the position of plunger 214. For example,one could use a tightly wound wire spring with an expansion at one endas a dispensing means. Such a device is typically used in the cleaningof drain piping and is also commonly referred to as a “plumbing snake”.

The down-tube 112 and dispensing means 212 of the present invention ofFIGS. 1 and 2 may also be selected according to the size of the desiredreward to be dispensed and/or the size of the canine to be trained. Inone further embodiment, down-tube 112 was fabricated of cross-linkedpolyvinyl chloride (CPVC) tubing of 0.375-inch inside diameter, with acorrespondingly sized dispensing means 212 to be fitted therein.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment 310 of theapplicant's pet training device, comprising several optional butdesirable features. Referring to FIG. 3, the lower end of down tube 112further comprises a bite shield 340, which prevents the canine,particularly a pup, from biting, chewing or sucking on the end of thedown-tube in an attempt to dislodge a reward from cavity 116. In oneembodiment, bite shield 340 comprises a three-inch diameter circularsection cut from a piece of four-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Bite shield340 is joined to down-tube 112 with PVC pipe cement as previouslydescribed in regard to the assembly of dispensing means 212 of FIG. 2.Bite shield 340 is preferably between two inches and five inches indiameter (or in width across its narrowest section), in order to preventa canine from engaging bite shield 340 between its teeth.

A further embodiment of the present invention may also comprise astorage reservoir for the carrying of additional edible treats during anextended training session. Referring to FIG. 3, in one preferredembodiment, reservoir assembly 312 comprises an elbow 316 attached tohandle 114, with one leg of elbow 316 directed substantially upward.Into elbow 316 is fitted tube 318, to which is joined cup 320, which maycontain additional edible rewards 302. Cap 322 may be fitted over thetop of cup 320, to prevent spillage of edible rewards 302 during atraining session. In one embodiment, reservoir assembly 312 comprisesPVC pipe and fittings as previously described for other embodiments ofthe present invention. It will be apparent that the provision of areservoir may be accomplished in many alternative ways, with the generalfunctional requirement being that the reservoir is suitably joined tothe upper end of down tube 112 such that the reservoir is within easyreach of the trainer.

In a further embodiment (not shown), reservoir assembly 312 may becombined with a dispensing means comprising a flexible auger instead ofa plunger rod, such that edible treats could be conveyed from the cup320 of reservoir assembly 312 to the cavity 116 of down tube 112. Insuch an embodiment, the user would control the motion of the auger orotherwise selectively control the dispensing of such treats from the endof the down-tube.

FIG. 3 also depicts the capability to engage a leash with the pettraining device. In one embodiment, hand loop 332 of leash 330 is placedaround plunger rod 216. Alternatively, hand loop 332 could be placedaround reservoir assembly 312. It will be apparent that numerous otherfittings for attaching objects to piping and tubing, particularly in themounting or hanging of such objects, are known in the art, which wouldprovide suitable attachment means for securing a leash to theapplicant's pet training device. Similarly, various latches, rings, etc.may be employed so as to allow the leash to be selectively attached anddetached from the pet training device 110.

In general, the length of the down-tube of the applicant's pet trainingdevice may be chosen to provide the dispensing cavity of the device at aparticular height above the floor, which is well matched to the size ofthe particular canine being trained. An alternate embodiment of thepresent invention is provided, which may be used in the training oflarger canines. Referring to FIG. 5, applicant's pet training device 510comprises a down tube 512, the majority of the length of which isdisposed in a substantially horizontal direction. The resulting heightof the dispensing cavity 116 of pet training device 110 is atsubstantially the hip level of the trainer 414, which is at a preferableheight for training of large canines.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of theapplicant's pet training device, for providing edible rewards directlyfrom additional dispensing means comprising reward storage meansattached thereto. Referring to FIG. 6, apparatus 610 is similar toapparatus 110 of FIG. 1, but further comprises dispensing assembly 650comprised of dispensing tee 618 joined at an inner branch 632 thereof tothe lower end of downtube 112. Reward storage tube 620 is joined to thecenter port 636 of tee 618, and the outer branch 634 of tee 618 is open,for the dispensing of rewards therefrom.

In operation, a plurality of edible rewards 102 are loaded into storagetube 620. Plunger 614 is withdrawn backwards into downtube 112 asufficient distance by the operation of thumb ring 218 in the directionof arrow 120 as previously described, so that a single edible reward 101drops into the breech 638 of tee 618, as depicted in FIG. 6. Plunger 614is then displaced outwardly in downtube 112 by the operation of thumbring 218 in the direction of arrow 122, thereby dispensing edible reward101 out of outer branch 634 as indicated by arrow 626. Plunger 614 isprovided in a sufficient length such that reward 103 is prevented fromdropping downwardly behind plunger 614 and jamming plunger 614 in thebreech 638. (In general, plunger 614 is preferably at least as long asthe distance from the centerline of tee 618 to the open end of outerbranch 634. With such a plunger length, the dispensing of a rewardwithout jamming is consistently achieved.)

Plunger 614 is then withdrawn backwards into downtube 112 a sufficientdistance by the operation of thumb ring 218 in the direction of arrow120 that edible reward 103 drops into the breech 638 of tee 618, and thedispensing cycle may then be repeated. The withdrawal of plunger 614backwards into downtube 112 may be facilitated by assist means (notshown) such as e.g., a wound spring disposed around rod 216 between ring218 and tee 118, or such withdrawal may be entirely performed by theuser of the device.

It will be apparent that the dispensing assembly 650 of FIG. 6 may beeasily adapted to the apparatus 510 of FIG. 5, and, that the bite shield340 of the apparatus 310 of FIG. 3 may be easily adapted to the outerbranch 634 of tee 618. It will be apparent that dispensing assembly 650may be provided as an optional attachment that may be provided and/orsold separately from the device 110 of FIG. 1, but with plunger 214 ofdevice 110 preferably being formed similar to plunger 614 of device 610of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the applicant'spet training device incorporated into a grooming table. Referring toFIG. 7A, training device 810 is joined to grooming table 800 by at leastone support means 820. In the preferred embodiment, device 810 issupported by support means 820 and 821. Device 810 of FIG. 7A is asubstantially L-shaped device similar to device 110 of FIG. 1, such thathandle 114 and thumb ring 218 are disposed above and proximate to theshort edge 802 of table 800. Such an arrangement is preferable if thegroomer (not shown) prefers to stand next to short edge 802 whilegrooming canine 412.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the applicant'spet training device incorporated into a grooming table. Referring toFIG. 7B, training device 910 is also joined to grooming table 800 by atleast one support means 820, and preferably by support means 820 and821. Device 910 of FIG. 7A is a substantially U-shaped device comprisingan additional elbow 912, such that handle 114 and thumb ring 218 aredisposed above and proximate to the long edge 804 of table 800. Such anarrangement is preferable if the groomer (not shown) prefers to standnext to long edge 804 while grooming canine 412.

It will be apparent that the relative positions of devices 810 and 910of FIGS. 7A and 7B upon table 800 are easily reversed to accommodatevariance among groomers for either a left-handed or right-handedarrangement of such devices upon table 800.

FIG. 7C is a detailed perspective view of adjustable support means820/821 used to support and secure the devices 810 and 910 of FIGS. 7Aand 7B to a grooming table. Referring to FIG. 7C, support means 820/821is preferably an adjustable support means comprising a riser sleeve 822that is joined to table 800 by clamp means 830 comprised of top pad 831,bottom pad 833, and thumb screw 835 threadedly engaged with bottom pad833. Riser sleeve 822 further comprises fastening means to secure risertube 828, which is disposed through riser sleeve 822. In one embodiment,such fastening means comprises a thumbscrew 824 threadedly engagedthrough the wall of riser sleeve 822. In another embodiment, suchfastening means comprises a compression fitting 826, which is comprisedof a rotatable nut, and a ferrule disposed therein (not shown), suchthat when compression fitting 826 is tightened, riser tube 828 isrendered immobile in riser sleeve 822. Such compression fittings arewell known in the art. Thus the use of such fastening means provides forriser tube 828 being vertically and rotatably adjustable in riser sleeve822 as indicated by arrows 852 and 854.

Referring again to FIG. 7C, support means 820/821 is preferably furthercomprises cross sleeve 832 that is joined to riser sleeve 828. Crosssleeve 832 further comprises fastening means to engage and securetraining device housing tube 812 therein, which is disposed throughcross sleeve 832. (See also FIG. 7A and FIG. 1: In device 810 of FIG.7A, housing tube 812 is equivalent to down tube 112 of FIG. 1, althoughhousing tube 812 is not disposed vertically. In the device 810 of FIG.7A, the proximal end thereof comprised of handle 114 and thumb ring 218is equivalent to the upper end of the device 110 of FIG. 1; and thedistal end of device 810 comprises a cavity for housing edible rewardsfor dispensing to canine 412 that is equivalent to the cavity 116 ofdevice 110 of FIG. 1.) In one embodiment, such fastening means comprisesa thumbscrew 834 threadedly engaged through the wall of cross sleeve832. In another embodiment, such fastening means comprises a compressionfitting 836, similar to compression fitting 826 described previously.The use of such fastening means provides for device housing tube 812being horizontally and rotatably adjustable in cross sleeve 832 asindicated by arrows 856 and 858.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that adjustable supportmeans 820/821 may be provided in many different forms that areequivalent in their function. Such adjustable support means are wellknown and used in structures such as e.g. camera tripods and campingtents. The operative requirement for such support means is that thepositions of devices 810 and 910 of FIGS. 7A and 7B with respect totable 800 are rendered adjustable vertically, horizontally, androtationally.

In recapitulation, the present invention, is an apparatus for trainingof domestic animals, and in particular, an apparatus for the training ofcanines by dispensing edible rewards as compensation for exhibiting adesired behavior or action.

It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, an apparatus for the training of domesticanimals, and more particularly for the training of canines. While thisinvention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodimentsthereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, itis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A pet training device comprising a. a rigid tube formed with at leastone elbow, and including a cavity in at least the distal end thereof forinsertion of edible rewards therein, and a plate-like bite shield joinedto said distal end of said rigid tube, said bite shield having adiameter sufficient to prevent a pet from engaging the bite shieldbetween its teeth; b. a handle, attached at the proximal end of saidrigid tube; and c. flexible dispensing means disposed within said rigidtube for causing an edible reward to be dispensed from said cavity insaid distal end of said rigid tube.
 2. The pet training device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said flexible dispensing means comprises: a.a flexible plunger rod disposed within said rigid tube, comprising aproximal end extending through said handle, and a distal end extendingproximate to said cavity in said distal end of said rigid tube; b. athumb ring joined to said proximal end of said flexible plunger rod; andc. a plunger disposed within said cavity and joined to said distal-endof said flexible plunger rod.
 3. The pet training device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the device is comprised of at least about 90 weightpercent of plastic.
 4. The pet training device as recited in claim 1,further comprising a reservoir joined to said proximal end of said rigidtube.
 5. The pet training device as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a leash, attached at said proximal end to said device.
 6. Thepet training device as recited in claim 1, further comprising at leastone solid edible reward disposed in said cavity of said rigid tube.
 7. Apet training device comprising a. a rigid tube formed with at least oneelbow, and including a cavity in at least the distal end thereof forinsertion of edible rewards therein, and a plate-like bite shield joinedto said distal end of said rigid tube, said bite shield having adiameter sufficient to prevent a pet from engaging the bite shieldbetween its teeth; b. a handle, attached at the proximal end of saidrigid tube; c. a flexible plunger rod disposed within said rigid tube,comprising a proximal end extending through said handle, and a distalend extending proximate to said cavity in said distal end of said rigidtube; d. a thumb ring joined to said proximal end of said flexibleplunger rod; and e. a plunger disposed within said cavity and joined tosaid distal-end of said flexible plunger rod.
 8. The pet training deviceas recited in claim 7, further comprising a reservoir joined to saidproximal end of said rigid tube.
 9. The pet training device as recitedin claim 7, further comprising a leash, attached at said proximal end tosaid device.
 10. The pet training device as recited in claim 7, furthercomprising at least one solid edible reward disposed in said cavity ofsaid rigid tube.